Recently, the Marana Unified School District conducted two
meetings concerning Prop 403. The presentation did not contain any
detailed facts or data on exactly what the $43M would be used to
purchase except 130 school buses at an unknown price.

When asked by voters if the district received any estimates or
formal quotes for the potential capital improvements, the
superintendent said they did not do either. The voters were told
the leadership of the district discussed potential costs among
themselves and that was the extent of their research. Their
repeated response was, "We have done this before and we know what
we are doing."

An MUSD employee told me via e-mail, "We decided not to be as
specific as you might wish do to the fact some school attendance
areas might not choose to vote for this if they saw they weren't
getting as much as others. To avoid this, we kept the categories
without the school level specifics."

This is purposely hiding the facts from voters and validated my
feeling from the meeting. He added in his e-mail, "As for asking
for ROM, I assume these are getting proposals, we both realize and
are required that this would need to happen to assure the best deal
for the district and therefore the taxpayers. We went to vendors we
have a working relationship to obtain estimates for these
projects." This is not the normal business approach to obtaining
competitive quotes for future business, especially when taxpayer
support ($43M) is needed.

I am extremely disappointed in the MUSD leadership's
presentation and their "trust me" attitude. They did not seem
well-prepared for the meetings and appear to be very secretive on
how they intend to spend the taxpayers' money.

While I would like to support this effort, until I see where the
money is really going to be spent, I can't support this bond. I
will continue to attempt to find out where the bond money will be
spent and challenge all MUSD voters to do the same.

Richard Hoover, Marana

Regs another reason against Marana 'fill

When is a solid a liquid and a gas? There are two answers.

The first is water, which can be liquid, or, as ice, solid, and
gas when it evaporates.

The lobbyists for the Marana Regional Landfill fail to mention
this when discussing the proposed "solid waste" landfill that will
bring in 1,500 tons of (mostly imported) garbage daily. They also
fail to mention that, again according to EPA and ADEQ rules, not
accepting any hazardous waste actually means accepting household
and "small generator hazardous waste."

The regulations are another reason folks in the Avra Valley are
questioning the need for a 165-foot-high mountain of garbage over
our rising aquifer in a FEMA flood plain by a major wash next door
to 100 families. Especially with a Tangerine Landfill transfer
station set to be built by the county so that trash will continue
to be accepted there for the indefinite future.

Albert Lannon, Picture Rocks

Legislator kept state on road to bankruptcy

Our grandchildren, our great grandchildren and following
generations will condemn our profligate spending and
irresponsibility in destroying our country. Vic Williams and
fortunately others in the Legislature exercised prudent judgment in
limiting the spending of money we don't have to spend. Terri Proud
will do the same.

Nancy Young Wrong did not vote to keep us off the road to
bankruptcy. We don't need any more of her irresponsibility.

Frank H. Bertke

Al, Vic, Terri are a 'trifecta' for education

Mr. Farnsworth took aim at a fundamental process key in our
education system — that of a parent to decide the best educational
program for their child in his letter to the editor, "It May be
Time…"

Mr. Farnsworth seems be more concerned about the $3.7 million
that the Amphi won't get, than the potential of 400 kids getting a
better education. That is disturbing.

Since the campaign began, I have asked Ms. Cage, Ms.
Young-Wright and Ms. Kotterman for the definition of "full funding
of education" through e-mails, candidate forums, and personal
discussions. To date, none have specifically answered the
question.

Mr. Farnsworth possibly provides a peek into the answer. The
question is not "how much," it is about "more." The request for
more funding comes after passage of Prop 100. It also comes in
light of the State Auditor General's report indicating that
statewide, less than 57 percent of school expenditures get spent in
the classroom. And, unfortunately, this trend over the last years
has been continuing downward in classroom spending.

Mr. Farnsworth is also concerned about state spending per pupil.
He makes the same mistake as many people do equating dollars spent
to performance. Arizona ACT test scores are higher than the
national average. We need measure our schools on results rather
than on dollar per student.

Competition in the education system is natural and healthy. It
the main ingredient of challenging our kids to do better, dig
deeper, explore more, and reach their full potential.

We should applaud our elected officials, including Sen. Melvin
and Rep. Williams, and candidate Proud for actively exploring
methods to give our children the best possible education. We should
applaud them for finding avenues for parents to make informed
choices about the education of their children. And we should
applaud them for doing all this while at the same time being
fiscally responsible.

A trifecta for education — win for students, win for parents,
win for taxpayers.

Vince Leach, Tucson

Legislators take an oath to back public schools

Every citizen should know these facts:

Every legislator takes a solemn oath to support the Arizona
constitution.

The constitution states "In addition to such income (from state
land sales and rent) the legislature shall make such
appropriations, to be met by taxation, as shall insure the proper
maintenance of all state educational institutions, and shall make
such special appropriations as shall provide for their development
and improvement."

The constitution does not call for the support of private
schools.

As state income has diminished, the legislature has increased
the income deficit by voting yearly increases to the amount of
money that the public and corporations can divert from the general
fund by contributing to organizations distributing scholarships to
private school students.

The legislature uses the income deficit that it, itself, helps
to increase, to justify not providing for the proper maintenance,
development and improvement of public schools, as commanded by the
constitution it has sworn to support.

Many legislators have even made a private oath to a major
out-of-state campaign contributor to never increase taxation. These
legislators have put that oath ahead of their oath to uphold the
state constitution, an oath that requires taxation when necessary
to properly maintain, develop, and improve public schools.

Legislators who have supported increasingly allowable
contributions to private education (such as Sen. Melvin and Rep.
Williams) claim to have done everything possible to maintain
support for public education. The facts listed above reveal that
their claim is untrue.

Kent Barrabee, Tucson

The writer is a member of the Amphitheater Unified School
District board of trustees – Ed.

Melvin thinks 'compromise' is a dirty word

Does Al Melvin really represent the interests of LD26, most of
which is in Pima County? I am not aware of anything he has done to
advance or protect the interests of Pima County or the cities in
his district.

He frequently mentions his good friends Russell Pearce and
Sheriff Paul Babeau, but never seems to mention any relationships
with Pima County officials. He seems reluctant to admit that he
lives in Pinal County. (See his "Meet your Legislator" video on the
AZ Legislature web site.) He changed his Senate identification from
"SaddleBrooke" to "Tucson," not "Pima County."

LD26 had previously elected what would be termed "moderate"
Republicans, but the right-wingers worked hard to take control of
the party and we now have a senator who despises the term "moderate
Republican." He cannot abide anything that doesn't fully mesh with
his right-wing views and apparently thinks "compromise" is a dirty
word. Compromise has always been the genius of the American
political system, and worked well to round off the rough edges of
hard left and hard right views to develop legislation which served
the best interests of most Americans.

If you are really happy with the direction that the
Republican-dominated legislature has taken Arizona in their 40
years of control of the legislature, but especially in the period
since Jan Brewer became governor, and want to continue to remain
near last in school funding and highest in the poverty rate with
high unemployment, of course you should vote for Al Melvin.

If you want change and progress, you should vote for Cheryl
Cage.

David Ericsson, Oro Valley

Home science experiments are not facts

Home science experiments are not fact.

Could not believe that Albert Lannon would have us believe that
concocting a potion during a town meeting constitutes real facts.
Well, I am not buying it, Mr. Lannon.

The opponents of Marana Regional Landfill have resorted to cheap
tricks, taken statements from honest people out of context and
claim "research finding" that have no relationship to this modern
landfill. Enough is enough. The Town council should never have let
this man bring in any type of concoction and mix them up during a
town meeting.

They don't have the real fact. They encourage you to visit their
web site but when you do you will find a big disclaimer saying "we
make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy,
completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked
to this website and its associated sites."

Are you kidding me? They stand up in front of the town council,
make outrageous accusations but then say, "well, maybe it's not all
true."

Let's stop the nonsense and say yes to the Marana Regional
Landfill.

Ernie and Anna Felix, Marana

Marana needs a landfill that's close at hand

I have lived in Arizona for five years, in the Picture Rocks
area. I make my living delivering Portable On-Demand Storage units,
PODS.

I support the Marana Regional Landfill because I recognize the
need that this area has for a landfill. I personally appreciate the
close proximity that the landfill will have to my home so that I
can easily make trips to dispose of my garbage.

Citizens should consider how the close proximity of the landfill
to the community will keep disposal fees lower and have an added
convenience for customers.

Chuck Clark, Picture Rocks

Hearing about turn lane ought to be at town hall

On Oct. 28, the Town of Oro Valley is holding a public hearing
to discuss a left turn lane on Oracle which will allow for
southbound traffic on Oracle to turn left into the San Jose
Plaza.

On the surface, this is a great idea, and should have happened a
long time ago.

However, the town is also proposing to eliminate the current
ability for northbound drivers to turn left onto Greenock, or
adding an additional stop light on Oracle.

Eliminating the Greenock turn is a slap in the face to the
longtime Oro Valley residents who live in the Oro Valley Country
Club area and have always enjoyed this expeditious route, and/or an
additional stoplight between El Conquistador Way and Pusch View
Lane is wasteful and not needed.

This hearing raises two questions: 1) Why does one turn have to
be at the expense of the other; and, 2) Why is this hearing being
held at The Loop restaurant? There is no question the turn into the
San Jose Plaza will serve The Loop restaurant, an ardent supporter
of Hiremath, Snider, Waters and Hornat.

Since when does the town endorse a business by holding a public
hearing at their location? Is this a sign of favoritism on the part
of the mayor and the city council?

This hearing is required by law. The turn into San Jose Plaza is
long overdue. The turn on Greenock should remain and the hearing
should be held at the Town Hall or another location and not at The
Loop restaurant.

Randy Shields, Oro Valley

Landfill can be a solution to wildcat dumping

I have lived in Arizona for 22 years, and have been a retired
home builder for the last 12.

I have personally witnessed the wildcat dumping that frequently
happens in our area. The dumping needs to stop so we can keep our
community beautiful and clean.

I support the Marana Regional Landfill because it will help
solve the problem of dumping by offering a low-cost
alternative.

Herman Boge Jr., Marana

Young Wright a fighter for Southern AZ

Recently, campaign signs have appeared in our area that smear
our outstanding state representative, Nancy Young Wright.

If you have lived in this area for any length of time, you know
of the tough, innovative leadership Nancy has provided us in the
Arizona Legislature and as a member of the Amphitheater School
Board. She has lived here far longer than her two opponents, and
neither of them can come close to matching her record of
accomplishment and community service.

Sleazy political tactics by people desperate to win an election
do nothing to diminish the work Nancy did to reduce class sizes,
cut bureaucratic waste and preserve funding for the fine arts and
physical education when she was a school board member. Signs
emblazoned with big lies will not erase from our memories all that
Nancy has done to fight for public schools, small businesses and
law enforcement as our voice in the Legislature.

You can always tell when someone has nothing positive to say and
no real record to point to, when they resort to gutter political
tactics. It is fortunate that the voters are not as cynical as the
people who erected these signs.

Nancy Young Wright is a fighter for Southern Arizona and there
is no doubt that LD26 voters will endorse another term of her
steady, proven leadership.

Pat Kinsman, Oro Valley

Marana 'fill best, reasonable solution for all

I am a retired lawyer who has been living in Arizona for 20
years.

Everyone complains that they don't want to have the landfill in
their backyard, but they all have garbage. The local residents need
to realize that they have to have somewhere to put all the trash.
People can't expect to keep producing garbage without finding
somewhere to dispose of it.

The plans for the new Marana Regional Landfill propose the
building site in a fairly isolated area, so neighbors won't be
bothered. I support the Marana Regional Landfill because I think
this is the best, reasonable solution for everyone involved.

Leo Connolly, Marana

NW candidate makes no blind promise to union

I just read with interest and good humor Vince Baker's
questioning ("Fire union is trying to stack NWFD board," Oct. 20)
of my integrity and honesty in the race for a seat on the Northwest
Fire Board, and would like to respond to his misdirection.

Bill Daniell and myself have been endorsed by the local
Northwest Fire District Firefighter's union, local 3572, but I have
yet to meet anyone representing the Glendale or Phoenix unions.
When the local union was considering the support of my candidacy, I
made it extremely clear that I have never been a union man and most
certainly would not blindly promise to vote the union line on any
issue.

More importantly, I made sure they understood I would always try
to vote to do the right thing for all parties involved, from the
taxpayers to the district employees and its administration. This
was not an empty promise but one that I take very seriously as a
taxpayer and district resident. The union firefighters were
apparently okay with my independent posture.

While it is true I haven't served on a board overseeing tax
monies, I have served on a non-profit's board of directors, as well
as several corporate boards. Proper fiscal responsibility looks
pretty much the same whether that money comes from taxpayers,
people buying raffle tickets to support a good cause or corporate
stockholders.

I'm sorry that's not enough for Mr. Baker. I have never met him
nor do I know the circumstances surrounding his departure from the
board, but I hope he was able to investigate issues before the
board with more clarity than he has approached my candidacy.

Bruce Kaplan, Pima County

Kelly right choice to create jobs

I think it is time that we realize that the voting record of
Congresswoman Giffords, on the stimulus program, which is costing
us money and not yet accounted for; cap and trade, which will
increase our energy cost, and Obamacare, which will force us to pay
out more money or be penalized, is hurting our economy and costing
us jobs.

She forgot to mention that in 2011, we will all be required to
pay taxes on the value of our health insurance from our employers.
That means a declaration of additional income, on which we will
have to pay taxes. This agenda of hers is causing the loss of jobs,
that this state desperately needs.

Her ideas on how to increase jobs and the economy are wrong.
Companies are not hiring now, due to the uncertainty of Obamacare.
Families are struggling due to Giffords' agenda and voting with
Pelosi. She is more concerned about voting with Pelosi than what
her constituents here in Arizona want.

Instead, we need a plan to bring back jobs and Jesse Kelly has
that plan. Cut taxes, since ours are the highest and this will give
businesses an incentive to come back, which will bring back the
jobs. Several years ago, many businesses left because of our taxing
practices, so this is a good indication, that cutting taxes will
help to bring these companies to the United States instead of going
to other countries that have a more "business friendly"
environment.

So instead of listening to incorrect information in TV
commercials, read about Jesse Kelly's plan for economic growth.

If we want to help our economy and bring back jobs, Jesse Kelly
is the choice for CD8.

Geri Ottoboni, Oro Valley

Theatrics on landfill were not appropriate

Marana residents and Marana Town Council deserve more than the
amateur theatrics performed by a member of the opposition to the
proposed landfill.

Mr. Lannon stood before the town council on Oct. 5, poured his
"homemade garbage juice" into a bottle of water, then offered them
a drink. As entertaining as this scene may have been in the Julia
Roberts movie, Erin Brockovich, the demonstration in the town
council meeting was distasteful and inappropriate, reducing a
serious discussion to a carnival side show.

Does the opposition really think this homemade brew poured
directly into a bottle of water compares to the years of scientific
research and study and technological advances of a modern-day
landfill? It is difficult to view this as anything more than a
diversionary tactic.

They lack a sound argument based on facts. The disclaimer on
their website says it all. They don't even claim their own "facts"
to be accurate, complete or adequate.

The proposed landfill will meet stricter guidelines than any of
the surrounding landfills in our region. We need to make our own
decisions based on facts and reasons, not on silly tricks or scare
tactics. We need to be forward thinkers and take action now. What
will happen if we don't approve this landfill scares me more than
Mr. Lannon's performance.

Linda Zupi, Marana

The writer chairs the Political Action Committee for a
Better Marana. This letter was edited. – Ed.

A Republican vote is a vote for DC gridlock

What are Republican/Tea Party-types thinking? That electing
right-wing candidates will bring back Washington and Adams? No, it
will only bring back the same old crowd that dug us into this
ditch. A Republican vote is a vote for gridlock. These past two
years, Republicans have placed party over country and voted no on
everything.

Despite GOP efforts, this Congress passed the economic-stimulus
package that, by objective accounts, saved this country from
economic catastrophe. Over a third of this stimulus ($288 billion)
went to immediate tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans. Yes, Obama
cut your taxes and 9 out of 10 of you don't even know it.

The Wall Street Bailout was as necessary as it was unpopular but
you won't have jobs if you don't have a financial system … and most
of it has been repaid.

Healthcare reform is touted by the far right as some big
disaster … really? The only parts of it that have gone into effect
is the requirement that insurance companies not deny coverage based
on pre-existing conditions and that dependents be allowed to remain
on their parents' plans until age 26. Sounds pretty reasonable to
me.

The Wall Street accountability act will help keep the abuses
that sunk our financial system from repeating themselves. Wouldn't
it have been irresponsible not to pass this reform? Guess what
party opposed it?

Americans should be proud of what this Congress has
accomplished, despite the obstructionist agenda of the GOP.

On a local note, Jesse Kelly rails against the stimulus while
his family business bids for and profits from the same stimulus
money.

Jan Brewer takes credit for luring Roche to expand their Ventana
operation in Oro Valley with $2 million in federal stimulus money.
Talk about trying to have it both ways.

There are lots of hypocrites in politics and they are not all
Republicans. This year, however, it just seems that way.

Dana Whitson, Oro Valley

Young Wright has spent her years in trenches

I have known Nancy Young Wright for 16 years, and have watched
her progress from being a classroom volunteer as the mother of
young children, up to her current position as state
representative.

Nancy has spent the years "in the trenches," putting in the
hours and doing the hard volunteer work that many others don't have
the time, resources or inclination to perform.

Her initial work sprang from attempting to secure services for
children, from both classroom volunteer work, and working with Oro
Valley to start and chair their first parks board. She then went on
to tackle the position of board member at Amphi Schools, where she
served for nine years.

During her years in office, Nancy has not taken the path of
least resistance, and never believed in "go along to get along,"
the mantra which many other elected officials unfortunately stand
on. She has challenged decisions and actions she believed were
wrong or questionable, to get to the heart of the matter. Her work
at the Amphi School District helped guide the district through a
very difficult time, and led to a complete change and overhaul of
the prior district management.

During her almost three years at the Legislature, she has worked
hard for her constituency. Nancy does her homework, and will study
and question the ramifications of an issue, before voting on it.
She has been a thoughtful and hard-working elected official,
throughout her tenure. She deserves re-election, to be able to
continue her hard work.

Rosalie Roszak, Oro Valley

Letters that did not make the print edition

Town council's actions will have negative impact

Recent town council meetings reinforced my concerns with new
council members and Mayor Hiremath.

Concern 1:

The mayor and council had temporarily delayed their plan to
eliminate most or all resident-staffed commissions, boards and
committees. However, during the last council meeting, disrespect
for the residents' participation was again exhibited. The mayor and
non-elected Councilman Solomon led a vote to override a decision
made by the resident-staffed arts review commission.

The commission members had rejected some art proposed for the
new retirement residence on Lambert Lane. The decision was within
their authority and wouldn't delay the construction of the complex.
The information presented by both sides clearly indicated a
misunderstanding. Under these circumstances, even the most junior
business manager would have sent the two parties back to resolve
their misunderstandings.

However, the commission members' decision was overridden. Why
were the art review commission members thrown under the bus? Was
this another step to elimination of this commission? Will this
council reduce the responsibilities of commissions to an
insignificant level, thus allowing business owners, developers,
builders, and the real-estate industry to set the direction of
matters involving general plan, codes, ordinances and governing
structure?

Concern 2:

The council is in the process of studying and approving an
updated sign code. The Sign Code Task Force and staff, for the most
part, have done an excellent job updating the Oro Valley sign code.
Will the council and mayor accept the recommendations, or will they
make numerous changes, again letting business owners, developers,
builders and the real-estate industry set the direction of matters
involving general plan, codes, ordinances and governing
structure?

Will the council and mayor create a code that will make Oro
Valley the sign-blighted capital of metro Tucson?

My concerns lead me to believe that actions of this council will
negatively impact Oro Valley's future. Who is running Oro Valley?
Do you want the future of Oro Valley to be crafted by special
interest groups or residents? It is time to let your elected
officials know what you expect from them.

Donald Bristow, Oro Valley

Rescue of 33 miners touched all of humanity

Like millions of others around the world, I sat transfixed
watching the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners. This was an unfolding
story that touched all of us on a basic human level.

When Chilean President Sebastian Pinera learned the miners were
still alive after 17 days, he made a commitment to the Chilean
people that he would do everything he could to save them. He asked
the world for help, and it responded in droves including NASA and
two small businessmen in Pennsylvania who provided the technical
solution for drilling the escape shaft.

When the day arrived to begin the rescue, President Pinera stood
there to take responsibility for what could either be a tragedy or
glorious triumph. When the first rescuer entered the FENIX 2, we
all held our breath wondering if this brave man would ever be seen
again. Then we were amazed to see the miners below waiting for the
escape capsule and we all let out a collective sigh of relief when
the FENIX landed.

When the first trapped miner, Florencio Avalos, emerged into the
arms of his little son and wife, we shared in the relief and joy
and tears of the Chilean people. As each of the 33 miners emerged,
he was met with this same joy and enthusiasm. President Pinera told
them "Welcome back to life." And indeed each rescue was like a
rebirth.

Luis Urzua was the last to emerge. He was the shift foreman who
organized the miners and kept them alive for those first 17 days.
He wanted all of his men on the surface before he left the mine —
he was the captain of the ship and like Sully Sullenberger would
not leave until everyone was safe. When he arrived on top, all of
Chile erupted in a tumult of national celebration. He and President
Pinera led the assembled crowd in the singing of the Chilean
national anthem.

What a wonderful and happy story for all of us. We saw
determination, ingenuity, comradeship, bravery and a national will
to accomplish the impossible. I will never forget what I saw and
felt. All I can say is Viva Chile!

Now, the people who oppose her, such as utility and insurance
companies, Phoenix law firms, and corporate lobbyists are
inundating our mailboxes with negative mailers that attempt to
distort Nancy's record. They try to hide their association with the
groups doing these mailers, but all it takes is a quick trip to the
Arizona Secretary of State's website to see who is bankrolling
these efforts.

Nancy's opponents in this election are asking their fat cat
contributors to pay for this propaganda. It is part of the negative
campaign they have been running for months and their hope is that
voters will be distracted and ignore the fact that their platforms
promise more of the same ineptitude and lack of vision we have come
to expect from the Legislature.

We need more representatives like Nancy Young Wright, who have
the courage and intellect to stand up to the legislative leadership
that bankrupts this state, underfunds our schools, and drives
business away. After many years of watching Nancy work for us as a
state representative and school board member, voters are unlikely
to be swayed by such transparent and sleazy mailers. Frankly, they
say more about the people paying for them and the other two
candidates in this race than they do about Nancy.

Voters may have two votes for state representative, but there is
only person running who deserves their trust and support.

Carolyn Badger, SaddleBrooke

Cage runs on soap opera dramatics

I was struck by the glaring differences between the candidates
as they answered your questions. Cheryl Cage answered in sound
bites and generalities. Al Melvin answered with sources and
facts.

Ms. Cage repeatedly talked of closing $10 billion in tax credits
and loopholes. After the debate, I asked Ms. Cage for a list of
these tax credits and loopholes. After all, since she knew the
amount she should have a tabulated list. Apparently not: Ms. Cage
refused my request.

On the topic of "all-day kindergarten," Ms. Cage lamented that
all-day kindergarten was not compulsory and that children were
suffering, a typical progressive-socialist lament. She failed to
state that there is credible research on both sides of the topic.
It seemed as if she wanted her own opinion and her own facts.
Sorry, Ms. Cage, you can have your opinion but you cannot have your
own set of facts.

In addition, Ms. Cage resorted to meaningless statistics in her
answers. For example, she lamented that Arizona was last in per
pupil funding at $9,200. This statistic is meaningless without
framing it with qualitative data. At $9,200 per pupil, Arizona
graduates 70 percent of its students on time.

America's Promise Alliance, in its study "Cities in Crises:
Closing the Graduation Rate," found that in the country's 50
largest cities, which all fund students at higher levels than
Arizona, the graduation rates are 53 percent. Arizona's graduation
rate of 70 percent is at the national average. The obvious
conclusion is Arizona is more effective and efficient in graduating
students on time. We can do better, but it is not the doom and
gloom picture painted by Ms. Cage.

Ms. Cage, in attempting to explain away the doubling of the
state general fund budget from $5.5 billion to $11 billion under
Gov. Napolitano (2002-2008), flippantly responded that the reason
the budget exploded was Arizona experienced 40 percent growth in
its population. Not true. The United States Census Bureau shows
that between 2000 and 2009, Arizona's population grew by 28.6
percent, or 11.4 percent less than Ms. Cage's 40 percent even
adding three additional years. My analysis shows growth between
2002 and 2008 to be just under 19 percent. Once again, Ms. Cage is
devoid of any facts.

Regarding solar energy, Ms. Cage has stated that, "Studies have
shown for every $1 million dollars invested in solar will provide
13.5 jobs to the nuclear industry's 4.5 jobs." I am a proponent of
solar. I have solar on my house. What I am not a proponent of is
mass solar installations that misuse the environment. Spain
attempted to "go green" several years ago with dismal results.

"For every new position that depends on energy price supports,
at least 2.2 jobs in other industries will disappear, according to
a study from King Juan Carlos University in Madrid … The premiums
paid for solar, biomass, wave and wind power — which are charged to
consumers in their bill –translated into a $774,000 cost for each
Spanish 'green job' created since 2000, said Gabriel Calzada, an
economics professor at the university and author of the report …
The loss of jobs could be greater if you account for the amount of
lost industry that moves out of the country due to higher energy
prices …"

I asked Ms. Cage on more than one occasion how she rationalized
net job losses? She has yet to provide an answer.

I firmly believe Ms. Cage is a nice lady but she cannot run on
soap opera dramatics. Proposed policies must be based on facts not
feelings. This is Ms. Cage's weakness: she prefers her opinion over
facts. I think this will be the cause of her loss to Sen. Al
Melvin.

Richard D. Brinkley, SaddleBrooke

A lame attempt to attack Young Wright's record

Recently, a " hit mail" piece was mailed to LD26 voters in a
lame attempt to attack our state representative, Nancy Young
Wright. If you call the phone number on the mailer, you will be
connected with an organization that made a substantial contribution
to the campaign of one of Nancy's opponents, Terri Proud.

What is apparent here is that Proud lacks the guts or class to
confront Wright directly, so she asks some shadow group with an
office in Phoenix to do her dirty work for her. Proud's running
mate in this race, Vic Williams, already does the bidding of the
Phoenix political leadership. Terri Proud would be a Vic Williams
clone, and the last thing LD26 needs is another puppet supposedly
representing us. Williams has cast vote after vote that have cut
funding for our schools and also favored a measure that resulted in
a property tax increase. Proud would offer more of the same
feckless, non-responsive "service" to our area.

Nancy Young Wright has lived in this area a long time and she
has an equally long record of service to her community as a state
representative, school board member and community volunteer. Her
voting record reflects the interests and values of LD26 families.
If Terri Proud thinks that these last-minute tactics will garner
her any support, she has made a crucial error and underestimated
the independence and wisdom of the voters.

Christine Dayton

Government is not enemy of the people

Kudos to Explorer publisher Dave Perry for facilitating a civil
discourse during the Cage-Melvin debate — no small feat considering
the tensions between parties. We must realize we are all
Americans.

Given the absence of corporate conscience and the greed on Wall
Street, the idea that government is an enemy of the people that
must be reduced is perverse. We, the people, not political
ideologues or corporate lobbyists, must elect legislators who will
represent the broad spectrum of middle America; the producers and
consumers. This requires wisdom and foresight.

Experience: Lawmakers need all the experience they can get.
There are plenty of positions locally. To run for a US legislator's
seat with no experience reveals dangerous egotistical qualities and
compromises Congress.

Education: We need the brightest minds, those with college
degrees. In the US House, 95 percent, and in the Senate, 99 percent
of the legislators have at least one college degree. To elect
Kelly, who stated he "absolutely hated" his one-year college
experience would be an embarrassment to Arizona and an affront to
Congress.

Attitude: A tolerant and unprejudiced disposition is required.
There is no place for angry Tea Party candidates like Kelly in
Congress where patience and understanding are virtues.

Loyalty: A legislator must put the majority of his constituents
first, where legally possible; above party, or special interest.
The acceptance of campaign contributions with strings attached, as
many Republican donors require, usurps the peoples' power — the
cornerstone of democracy. To continually beat the party drums
publicly, as Melvin does, destroys any feeling of national unity.
He makes being an American a zero-sum game for anyone not in his
party.

Courage: It takes courage to tackle the big problems, knowing
the best solutions may make voters unhappy. It is easy to do
nothing as Republicans do and let their corporate donors solve the
problems to benefit the corporation under the guise of free
enterprise.

Integrity: A politician must stand behind their word, admitting
their mistakes and rejecting any attempt to lie as cover or to win
election.

Ben Love, Oro Valley

Jesse Kelly is all bluster, no substance

My husband and I wondered how Jesse Kelly got a job as a project
manager for a construction company with nothing more than a high
school diploma. We then learned that his father owns the
construction company. In other words, Jesse was given a break in
life … a handout, if you will.

Now Kelly complains that Medicare recipients are on the "public
dole." Isn't it ironic how the same people who have things handed
to them are also the same ones who scream the loudest when anyone
else gets a "handout?"

Prior to running for office, Gabrielle Giffords was laying the
groundwork for a career in public service. She obtained bachelor's
degrees in sociology and Latin American studies and a master's
degree in regional planning. This course of study gives her the
knowledge and resources to plot a positive outcome for the future
of Southern Arizona.

Giffords has been preparing for this work all her adult life.
Meanwhile, all Jesse Kelly did was show up. He does not have the
knowledge nor the education to represent Arizona's 8th
District.

Mr. Kelly also does not display the maturity nor civility that
one should expect from their representatives. Throughout the Oct.
18 debate at UA, Ms. Giffords was poised, articulate,
knowledgeable, mature and civil. Kelly, on the other hand, was
arrogant, superior, immature and utterly lacking in social
skills.

There's also the question of integrity. Mr. Kelly opposes the
stimulus package and states that it's the reason he decided to run
for Congress, yet he has accepted construction contracts that are
being funded by the stimulus bill ($2 million for a Pima County
sewer pipeline project and $56.6 million for the Lewis and Clark
Regional Water System) proving once again, that he's only against
handouts and taxpayer subsidies when they're being given to someone
else. He also admits that taxpayer dollars account for roughly 90
percent of his company's profits.

Jesse Kelly is all bluster and no substance, or as they say in
Texas, "he's all hat and no cattle."

Diane Peters, Oro Valley

Al demonstrates no awareness of schools' import

As an educator with 19 years of experience as a teacher and
administrator in Pima County public schools, I was eager to attend
the recent LD26 debate between Cheryl Cage and Al Melvin.

When the debate started, I was a Cage supporter. After it ended,
my support for her had been solidified and my amazement with the
rank hypocrisy of Melvin had increased.

Cage spoke logically about the connection between economic
growth and quality public schools. She pointed out how the current
Legislature did not look at other areas of saving before they voted
for massive cuts to public school funding.

Cage talked about closing tax loopholes and eliminating largesse
to corporations. She also noted an alternative budget had been
proposed which did not include the cuts to education supported by
Melvin, but he and his allies would not bring it up for
discussion.

Melvin had the audacity to praise the work done in Amphitheater,
Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells and Marana, saying that they were
quality school districts whose work should be replicated. Since
being elected in 2008, he has repeatedly voted for cuts that have
led to increased class sizes, loss of teaching jobs, vital programs
being eliminated and supplies being cut. My hunch is that most
parents, students and employees in these districts are not going to
vote for someone like Melvin, who makes their jobs harder every
day.

I am a principal in a school district that is partly in LD26.
Over the last two years, my school has cut 21 percent from its
budget, eliminated many jobs and increased class sizes. Cage
understands the damage those cuts do to the students of this state
and our hopes for economic renewal. Melvin demonstrates no
awareness of the importance of public education, despite his
election-year posturing and attempts to fool the voters.

Rex Scott, Tucson

Don't decide on misleading signs and ads

We have all seen the signs posted on nearly every street corner
stating that Gabrielle Giffords has "bailed out Wall Street with
your money," "cut $500 billion from Medicare," etc.

I don't understand how Jesse Kelly can continue to complain that
Giffords is airing commercials with his own words when his campaign
is misleading the public with these signs. The fact is that the
"Bailout of Wall Street" was really a government stimulus package
to lessen the effects of the recession and speed recovery. It is an
often used tactic proven to work. That is why every other
industrial country in the world did the same thing. The US stimulus
was about 7 percent of our GDP. Japan had a stimulus package of 14
percent, Great Britain 8 percent, France 3 percent, China 29
percent, Germany 3 percent. You can argue the amount spent or how
it was done, but the fact that the government provided a stimulus
package is no "bailout."

I also find it odd that someone whose entire campaign focuses on
cutting government spending and reducing the deficit would disagree
with cutting money from government programs such as Medicare.

I would also like to understand how our government is supposed
to provide for our military, schools, police, infrastructure, etc
with only a 10 percent flat income tax and elimination of all
corporate sales tax?

I don't want to tell you who you should vote for in any of our
upcoming elections. I just simply ask that you research the issues
and think for yourself. Don't rely on street signs or television
ads to make up your mind. Do your own homework on the candidates
and the issues before you vote down party lines or react to one or
two negative ads.

Adam Wade, Oro Valley

Claim about Giffords is a falsehood

Jesse Kelly and the money machines backing him have broadcast so
many lies about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that they are evidently
fresh out of ideas, and are having to recycle old falsehoods that
were used against her unsuccessfully in earlier campaigns.

The group calling themselves "Conservatives for Congress" has
advertised the old canard about Rep. Giffords profiting from
taxpayer money by leasing to the City of Tucson a piece of real
estate. Truth: Years ago, the City of Tucson leased the property
owned by Rep. Giffords' parents and their partners, not Rep.
Giffords. Rep. Giffords has no role in managing the property, and
receives no financial benefit from the property.

All your readers, dear editor, who still believe in the
existence of things called facts, should know that this same mud
was thrown from the gutter by Rep. Giffords' opponent in the 2006
congressional election, and the fact checks by independent news
sources proved it was inaccurate then. It is still inaccurate
today.

Please do not let your readers, especially those who moved to
this area after 2006, be victimized by the slime merchants who are
trying to steal an honest election by smearing a creditable
Congresswoman who has done so much for Southern Arizona, and give
office to a dangerous radical bent on eliminating Social Security
retirement, Medicare, and the entire Department of Education which
provides over a billion dollars to Arizona's public school
children.